Treatment

Pleural tumors usually can't be removed with surgery. The original (primary) cancer should be treated. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used, depending on the type of primary cancer.

Your provider may recommend thoracentesis if you have a lot of fluid collecting around your lungs and you have shortness of breath or low blood oxygen levels. After the fluid is removed, your lung will be able to expand more. This allows you to breathe easier.

To prevent the fluid from collecting again, medicine may be placed directly into your chest space through a tube, called a catheter. Or, your surgeon may spray a medicine or talc on the lung surface during the procedure. This helps seal the space around your lungs to prevent the fluid from returning.

Support Groups

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The 5-year survival rate (number of people who live for more than 5 years after diagnosis) is less than 25% for people with pleural tumors that have spread from other parts of the body.

Possible Complications

Health problems that may result include:

Side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy

Continued spread of the cancer

Prevention

Early detection and treatment of primary cancers may prevent metastatic pleural tumors in some people.